Part 2 of 2
By BRANDON A. PERRY
National and state rates of unemployment are continuing to climb, and it is important for people who suddenly find themselves unemployed to have a plan of action.
The unemployment numbers – 8.1 percent for the nation, 9.4 for the state and a whopping 13.4 percent for African Americans – are not reassuring.
However, government officials, vocational counselors and other experts are encouraging the unemployed to not panic about their status, but methodically discover the resources they need to secure more work.
“We encourage people to use this time as an opportunity to seek training for new skills while they are looking for a new job,” said Marc Lotter of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), which oversees the state’s employment efforts.
On Friday, DWD released a new report showing that the state’s unemployment rate jumped slightly from 9.3 to 9.4 percent, mostly due to a decline in manufacturing jobs.
The good news, Lotter said, is that Indiana’s unemployment rate has climbed slowly thanks to a sharp increase in “heavy” construction (work conducted on roads, interstates and bridges) during unseasonably warm days in February.
Officials expect more work to become available in the outdoor construction sector this spring as a result of highway projects that are part of the state’s Major Moves program to build, expand and repair interstates.
“Also, Gov. (Mitch) Daniels and this administration will continue to aggressively pursue new jobs,” said Lotter. “The best thing we can do as a state is to have a well-trained workforce that is available and ready to work when new projects and companies arrive.”
In Indianapolis, numerous organizations are stepping up to offer advice and guidance for people who are seeking employment.
The Fathers and Families Center offers programs for men who are trying to place themselves on the job market. Many of the organization’s clients are getting their lives back on track after past convictions for felonies or misdemeanors, and have had difficulty getting hired because of their record.
“We help them develop good resumes, conduct mock interviews with them and equip them with what they need to become more professional and set themselves apart from other applicants,” said Ian Albright, spokesman for Fathers and Families Center.
The organization’s workforce development coordinator, LaNita Nixon, then connects clients with available jobs, which are usually in general labor sectors such as warehouses.
Dress for Success of Indianapolis works with over 70 community partners who help unemployed women on the journey to a new job.
The organization usually becomes involved at the end of the process by giving women professional clothing for interviews, but it can also get the process started by connecting women with various resources that provide everything from skills training to advice on writing an effective resume.
“It helps boost their confidence when they are prepared with their job readiness training and have professional attire when they speak to prospective employers,” said Barbara Ellsworth, director of Dress for Success.
Once an applicant secures her job, she may return to Dress for Success for additional attire and attend the organization’s Professional Women Groups, which offers tips on how to maximize and keep employment.
“In today’s economy, pursuing a new job can itself become a fulltime job,” added Ellsworth. “It is important to not just review employment ads, but also take time to utilize free opportunities to make yourself more marketable, which increases your opportunities.”
Lotter agrees, and said that one of the best ways for anyone who is unemployed to get help is stop by a Work One center.
Work One centers, which were created during the early 1980s, are state-operated facilities that provide a variety of resources for the unemployed, especially financial grants for skills training, career counseling, free seminars on topics such as interviews and computer skills and information on certifications and licenses needed for professions like nursing, truck driving and various construction-related trades.
Currently there are five Work One Centers in Indianapolis located on each side of town.
“We encourage people to visit a Work One center and let us help them get to the next level,” said Lotter.
Albright advises anyone in the difficult situation finding employment to not give up.
“Oftentimes people don’t get the first job they apply for,” he said. “So it is very important to hang in there and keep going.”
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
n WORK ONE CENTERS To find the Work One Express center nearest you, visit www.indyworkone.org, or call (317) 358-4500 or (317) 246-5400.
n FATHERS AND FAMILIES RESOURCE CENTER Visit www.fatherresource.org or call (317) 921-5943.
n DRESS FOR SUCCESS INDIANAPOLIS
Visit www.dressforsuccess.org or call (317) 940-3737.
n 211 – Dial this number if you need help meeting basic expenses for food and utilities. Operators will connect you with an organization that can assist you.
TIPS FOR UNEMPLOYED
n Obtain unemployment benefits. You can file for benefits online by visiting the Indiana Department of Workforce Development website and typing in this link: www.in.gov/dwd/. You may also call (800) 891-6499.
n Don’t hide it- Never be ashamed to tell people you are unemployed. The more people who know about your situation, the more help you can receive in finding new employment.
n Pick up employment guides that are available on racks with other materials at supermarkets and gas stations, or check online for new jobs. If you do not have access to a computer at home, use one at the library or at a church.
n Seek free or grant-funded seminars that teach training for new job skills. Being able to do more than one thing will increase your employment opportunities.
n If you are a homeowner, contact your mortgage company immediately. Many mortgage companies and lenders have programs that will temporarily reduce or delay payme
